Do you know the early signs of ovarian cancer?

Persistent and constant bloating could be a symptom of ovarian cancer - the sixth most common cancer among UK women.

Currently two thirds of women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer once the cancer has spread, making it more difficult to treat.

But caught at an early stage, before it has spread from the ovaries, long-term survival rates are more than 90%². This is why it's so important to be aware of the symptoms.

Early signs of ovarian cancer

Target Ovarian Cancer's research shows that just 1 in 5 women in the UK can name bloating as a major symptom of ovarian cancer². And it's not the only sign of the disease women need to know about.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

• Persistent bloating - not the kind that comes and goes over the day.

• Feeling full quickly and/or loss of appetite.

• Lower stomach pain.

• Urinary symptoms - needing to wee more urgently or more often than usual.

Annwen Jones, chief executive of the charity says: "If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms regularly, and they are not normal for you, it is important that you see your GP. Early diagnosis of ovarian cancer makes the disease easier to treat."

Gynaecological cancer charity The Eve Appeal is keen to champion this message too. Ovarian and other gynaecological cancers - that's cervical, vulval, vaginal and womb- are not talked about enough, leaving women confused about the signs and symptoms of each illness.

Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of the organisation, says: "Early detection is key, and with so few women in the UK confident of spotting a symptom of ovarian cancer, we've clearly got some work to do here.

That's one of the big jobs that we share with all the ovarian charities and support groups."

But don't panic

It is unlikely that your symptoms are caused by a serious problem, but it's still important to get checked out.

GP Dr Sarah Jarvis says: "Every woman needs to be aware of these symptoms and they need to be prepared to speak to their GP about them. But don't panic - in the vast majority of cases, the cause is much less worrying. It's important to realise that your GP may have good reason for reassuring you."

Be aware

At the moment, there isn't a national screening programme for ovarian cancer - like there is for cervical cancer or breast cancer. That means it's vitally important women be aware of the early signs of ovarian cancer

Laura was able to get a hysterectomy to treat the cancer: "I look back now and think, 'thank goodness for that Facebook post. Without that it could have been another two or three months before I got diagnosed. It might have been too late then. It can be so aggressive and it can spread so quickly that I think I was so lucky to catch it when I did."

Further reading

1. Target Ovarian Cancer: Targeting awareness as a new survey reveals women more likely to change eating habits than get checked.

2. Target Ovarian Cancer: Key facts and figures.